Public Mutual sold about RM1 billion of its first China Islamic fund

Public Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Public Mutual announced that about RM1 billion worth of units of its recently launched Public China Ittikal Fund (PCIF) were sold during its offer period which ended on 10 December 2007. PCIF was launched on 20 November 2007.

Chief Executive Officer Yeoh Kim Hong said the demand for PCIF has been overwhelming and the company has increased the fund size of PCIF to 5 billion units to cater to the robust demand of this fund. “The fund received good response as this is the first China Islamic fund in the country that offers investors the opportunity to ride on the solid growth prospects of the Greater China region,” she explained.

She continues to say that the Greater China region which encompasses China, Hong Kong and Taiwan presents significant growth opportunities. The Chinese economy is projected to grow steadily at 11.2% for 2007 and 10.6% for 2008, supported by resilient domestic consumption, investment and exports. “China has emerged as a major growth engine for this region apart from the U.S with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth sustained at a robust pace averaging 9.2% annually. Driven by strong domestic demand and robust tourist arrivals, Hong Kong’s GDP growth is set to expand at above 5% for 2007/2008. Meanwhile, GDP growth for Taiwan is projected at above 4% for 2007/2008 amidst resilient investment spending and global demand for electronic products,” she added.

PCIF is an Islamic equity fund that seeks to achieve capital growth over the medium- to long-term period by investing in a portfolio of Shariah-compliant investments in the Greater China region and the balance in the domestic market. The fund will invest a minimum of 70% of its net asset value (NAV) in the Greater China region namely in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan stocks.

She added that PCIF is suitable for aggressive investors who can withstand extended periods of market highs and lows to achieve medium- to long-term capital growth for their investments.

PCIF is distributed by Public Mutual’s unit trust consultants.

Public Mutual is the largest private unit trust company in Malaysia and it currently manages 54 funds for more than 1,350,000 accountholders. As at 30 November 2007, the total net asset value of the funds managed by the company was RM27.4 billion.